Governance

AMALGAMATION AND CITY BOUNDARIES

It’s time to separate amalgamation from regional fairness.

St. John’s taxpayers bear an undue share of the cost of maintaining the infrastructure for the Northeast Avalon. I do believe that’s an issue that should be addressed, but amalgamation isn’t the only solution or the best one. And in my mind, regional fairness is less of an issue than the Province not paying taxes. [See Taxes on Provincial Property.]

It has been suggested that St. John’s should give away the Southlands or other areas of the City. That would ultimately take provincial legislation. But I value every neighbourhood in St. John’s, and I don’t want to drive anyone away!